Saddledome Rolls Out New Security Measures, Including Walk-Through Metal Detectors

Fans attending Flames games and other events at the Scotiabank Saddledome should "expect a longer wait to get to their seats as the organization rolls out new security measures -- including walk-through metal detectors -- within the next several weeks," according to Jamie Komarnicki of the CALGARY HERALD. Saddledome VP/Operations Libby Raines said the changes are part of “enhanced guest security and safety measures." She added that no "specific security threat or breach prompted the changes," and that the Flames "intended to get started on the project last summer, but had to delay plans to deal with the massive spring flooding." Raines said that the organization "considered whether to start using security wands, but discarded the idea in favour of metal detectors." Raines: “It’s very difficult to try to do the wanding on 100 per cent of the people. The wanding becomes more of a random thing, and there’s issues that go along with that." She added that the measures "will be in place for all events taking place at the Saddledome." Raines said that the devices at the Saddledome "will be calibrated to a lower sensitivity level than airport security, but high enough to catch knives and other larger metal devices." Fans attending Thursday’s Kings-Flames matchup were "given information handouts about the security changes" (CALGARY HERALD, 2/28).